18 hours Ago By Nate Simmons
Two longstanding Rockwall County Commissioners, Dennis Bailey and Cliff Sevier, have announced their retirement, set to take place on January 1, 2025. In an official release from Rockwall County, it was shared that Bobby Gallana will be stepping into the Precinct 1 seat left by Sevier, while Lorne Liechty will take over Bailey's role in Precinct 3. Sevier has been part of the Commissioners Court since January 1, 2013, after a distinguished career in the US Army and the Rockwall City Council.
Sevier credits his time on the Rockwall County Planning Consortium and the construction of the new county jail and Administration Building as key accomplishments during his tenure. His colleague, Commissioner John Stacy, expressed high regard for Sevier’s professionalism, while Commissioner Dana Macalik highlighted Sevier's mentorship and community impact. Bailey, with a starting date of January 1, 2009, on the Commissioners Court, came into the role following his term as mayor and subsequent lobbying for AT&T.
Marked as a pivotal figure in public safety, Bailey played a pivotal role in the creation of an interoperability radio network for emergency response in the county. If that wasn’t enough, his name has been synonymous with the construction of the county's new courthouse and the establishment of additional courts within the county. As reported by Rockwall County , he also served as Vice Chairman of Texas' largest public power pool, where, he was influential in power procurement for local governments.
Both Commissioners enjoyed praise from their peers, with Commissioner Stacy again commending Bailey’s leadership and Commissioner Macalik recognizing his dedication to service and community. County Judge Frank New reflected on the legacy of both Commissioners, "Serving the public is often a hard but rewarding experience." According to Rockwall County's announcement , New spoke highly of Bailey and Sevier’s extended commitment to public service and wished them health, happiness, and quality time to be spent with their families post-retirement.
Rockwall County will host a reception to honor the contributions of Sevier, and Bailey on November 26 after the Commissioners Court meeting. These transitions mark the end of significant chapters for both Sevier and Bailey, whose work will continue to shape the fabric of Rockwall County for years to come. As they step away from their roles, the reception will serve as a testament to their collective years of public service and the respect they've garnered within the community.
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